BENTON — Voters approved a plan that could mean significant changes to the their town government Saturday.

About 50 people attended the town meeting. In the only contested race, Mark Brown, chairperson of the board of selectmen, won a narrow contest for selectman over Herbert Thompson in polling Friday.

During the business portion of the meeting, residents approved a plan that could result in creation of the position of administrative assistant.

If approved, the assistant would handle day–to–day affairs at the town office, a role now filled by the chairperson of the selectmen.

Mark Brown said the proposal is driven in part by the increasing complexity of the task of managing town affairs.

The board of selectmen will draft a proposal for the position and present it to voters on a written ballot at the November election. The change would not take effect until next year.

Residents also approved raises for employees at the town office and for the board of selectmen.
The cost of wages for staff at the town office will increase from $52,260 to $58,110.

The chairperson of the board of selectmen will get a $3,400 raise to $11,700 and the other two selectmen will each see their pay increase by $1,200.

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